Can you tell us how you broke into the fashion industry for those who aren’t familiar with your work?
I went to the Parsons of Canada, Ryerson University. I’ve designed for the garment industry in Europe and North America for 25 years. After having my kids, I parlayed my passion for creating jewelry to stay closer to home. I was in Northern Rajasthan on my jewelry development trips when COVID hit. I didn’t know what was going on—I left early because the country was going to shut down.
How has your experience within the industry informed how you approach personal style? And how would you describe your style?
I don’t box myself in. The thought of labeling my style as maximalism or minimalism is too restrictive. For me, clothing is an extension of my personality. But one thread that remains consistent is my eclectic taste. I like the juxtaposition of wearing things that shouldn’t necessarily work together. I like tension in a look, which is what makes fashion personal.
As a 54-year-old fashion influencer, what style advice do you wish you would have known when you were younger?
Forget influencer. My 54-year-old self would have loved to tell my 20-year-old self to enjoy where I was and explore more. I would’ve told myself to stress less about what I looked like because 20-year-olds are beautiful with no sleep and no style. Your style will develop as you age because your confidence and knowing who you are will start to usurp the need to feel trendy or fit in. It will happen naturally, so just enjoy your looks and dress as crazy as you want to.
It’s no secret that the fashion industry is rampant with ageism. What does age-inclusivity look like in your eyes?
To me, age inclusivity means there’s no need for numbers. A person’s relevance should be dictated by what they contribute, not how many years they have been on the planet. I find it counterintuitive to disregard older people’s insights. The more experience you have, the more interesting you are. Why should women of a certain age narrow themselves because of the number? On the flip side, age inclusivity means older women should not dismiss young women but rather cultivate them, nurture them, and give them a chance to shine.
There are so many preconceived notions about what women “should” wear at specific ages. How do you think we can dismantle these stereotypes both in the wider world and in our wardrobes?
Listen to your gut. At a certain age, the woman knows who she is. I would not trade my years of insight, experience, and the confidence I have now for my 20-year-old posterior. If you throw away all your miniskirts at age 52, even though you still have fabulous legs, then you just become a hanger for somebody else’s ideas. I permit all women to buy the same pair of pants in six different colors and fabrics if the styles suit them and they feel confident wearing them.
You’ve become a TikTok sensation for your fun fashion videos. Can you tell us what inspired you to start posting on the platform?
It was lockdown that inspired me. I watched Netflix for about two weeks and then realized that I could either do something creative in the confines of my house or get into bed, turn out the lights, and close the door. If I’m not making something, then I’m not doing well. I have always worked with my hands and materials I could touch. During the lockdown, the only thing I had in my house was my cultivated closet of treasures, an iPhone, and a 16-year-old son sequestered in the house with me who was forced to teach me iMovie. At first, I put on YouTube videos because before COVID, I was never really on social media. I still have difficulty navigating the platforms, and I don’t often scroll.
You are definitely a maximalist to your core. What’s the styling guiding rule you swear by when wearing bold pieces?
You’re right in the sense that I love a good strong look. I love color, and I love bold jewelry. So I guess that’s maximalism? But I just as happily gravitate toward The Row as I do with Gucci. The one rule I swear by is always to ask myself, Is this outfit projecting the way I feel right now, and is it serving me? I don’t want to work for an outfit; it should work for me.
You have an incredible collection of designer pieces in your wardrobe. When you’re shopping, what do you look for? What makes something worth buying in your eyes?
I know the piece will work when I can see multiple exciting outfits built around it without me working too hard. If the weird Rolodex of looks in my brain flashes before my eyes, then I know it’s a good piece.
What’s so fun about your videos is that you show how to style statement pieces. What’s the one tip you swear by for women who may be on the fence about investing in a hard-to-style piece?
When you design a clothing line, you’re supposed to start with the basics and then build around them. My brain never worked that way. I begin with the statement piece and then work everything else in. Those pieces have longevity if you set up your wardrobe as a collection. A statement piece that excites you will make you want to dress around it.
Although I adore the feel of a very luxe cashmere sweater, I’d rather spend on a fabulous coat or bag or boot that might be a little off-the-wall but unique. Your splurge and luxury items should reflect who you are out into the world. A simple cashmere sweater will rarely do that. It’s the vintage Lanvin pendant you wear on top of the sweater that will elevate your style.
With spring just around the corner, which trends do you think are worth investing in? And why?
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